question 1

During the first stages of creating my three media texts, I made sure that I allowed myself enough time to gain valuable research. This would ensure that I had fully utilized codes and conventions that would be seen within a teaser trailer and it's ancillary products which had been produced by a real production company. As technology's ability to do more is quickly advancing, I was able to use the internet to view a wide variety of teaser trailers, film posters and magazine covers. During my research I viewed teaser trailers which used different techniques to engage with audience members, through voice overs, inter-titles and personal interaction, where the protagonist character asks questions to the audience in character, however not using a scene from the original film (which would be a convention usually seen within teaser trailers). These effects work differently to create different impacts depending on genre; and are mainly used to connect with different target audiences.

Annotated trailer

Annotations:

Youtube wouldn't allow me to upload the same video more than once, so my original annotations are below with the specific times for each one:

• 0:00("Toni Classic Movie pictures..."); Here I have given an introduction by using the production company. Within all teaser trailers and full length trailers, they will use this convention. More recognisable production companies would be 'River road', 'Fox Searchlight', 'DNA' and '21st Century Fox'. As my trailer is suggesting an independent drama, I decided to create my own production company, as it suggests a lower budget film.
• 0:00:03 (character eating on bed); The opening shot of my trailer suggests a home atmosphere. It is ambiguous in the way that you don't know what she is doing. This does not create a trailer which gives a conclusion at the start and then the story, which means that my plot has not been exploited. Her running to the toilet could either suggest that she needs the toilet or something else. Because it has not been stated through the use of inter-titles or voice over, it means that viewers are left in suspense, as they want to know more about my character.
• 0:00:6.5 (Close up of light); I have used natural lighting which creates an ambient effect, also fitting in with the genre of my film to suggest a film based on social lives. Representation has been created by making my protagonist centre shot whilst she is dressing herself. The shirt she is wearing would be considered to my target audience as 'fashionable' which helps to create a bond between the character and viewer, as they want to see whether she is the same to them in terms of personality, likes and looks.
• 0:00:15.7 (aerial shot of character reading book);his shot could imply that the book my character's reading is a life book because of the inter-titles. The titles tell a story, however so does the original shot without the title. This has been done to imply that my character is alone, as she is not filmed with an other cast member next to her.
• 0;00;19.1 (pan of main character underneath tree); This shot is one of my favourites as it helps to progress my teaser trailer, however not giving so much away. This has been done by:
• Panning; as it helps to suggest that she is completely alone. This gives insight into more of the storyline, as it suggests a turbulent part of her life.
• Setting; as it establishes that there is not many places for my protagonist character to become more sociable.
• 0;00;28.9 (overlay of shots); This technique that I used was with the pen tool, where I was able to change the opacity of shots to create a metaphor of my protagonists mind. I feel that the shot helps to imply what my character is like, however it doesn't give away the storyline. This is a similar effect in the teaser for "Welcome To The Rileys" as they filmed in a setting which was more run-down suggesting a film based upon something more realistic, as opposed to the more fairy-tale film where everything that you want to happen happens.
• 0;00;36.0 (re-visiting eating in the bedroom); This shot that has been used implies that there is more than one location that has been used within my trailer, but would also be seen within my overall film. This is a common feature usually seen within teaser trailers, as it helps to suggest more about the theme. I have purposely filmed in this bedroom as the wallpaper suggested more about my protagonists personality through the colour pink and the flowers; as the pink suggests she is girly, who is in touch with her emotions and the flowers suggest that she is caring.
• 0;00;41.8 (shot of main character laughing with book); I filmed this shot purposely, as I wanted the audience to empathize with my main character, as she seems emotionally involved with her book whilst she is laughing which helps to suggest that she has no friends.
• 0;00;48.1 (inter-titles); I feel that these inter-titles help to involve the viewer, even if they weren't to watch the main film. This is because they've seen my main character alone which could possibly 'hit a nerve' with the viewers emotions. This, I feel inspires the viewer to try and get themselves out there before their life cuts short as "you only live once". These inter-titles also emphasize the opposite of what my main character has or, more so, hasn't done in her life so far. I wanted the end inter-titles to appear as deep and meaningful which is what is usually seen within this particular genre of film. Whereas my trailer is made to make you see reality, horror film trailers would want to scare you and 'dare' you to watch the film.
  

Above is an annotated trailer which states my reasoning behind certain aspects of the teaser. I felt that annotations on the trailer would let me help you understand my teaser more in-depth.

Use of voice overs - inter-titles

In the trailer for '500 Days Of Summer' a voice over has been used as a narrative to emphasize the protagonist character's feelings. Voice overs are commonly used within teaser trailers to explain parts of the film's plot, however making it sound like a new story. What this does to the particular viewer is distract their connection with the main character(s), which could a) make the audience not want to watch the film or b) entice the viewer, allowing them to bond fully with them in the film. For this reason, I have researched into inter-titles as an other way to connect with my audience, as I wanted them to establish a connection immediately; which would then allow them to empathize with them more in the film. This has successfully be done in the trailer for "Welcome To The Rileys", using them consistently to ask questions which relates to the plot, but can also make sense on their own.

Because "Welcome To The Rileys" has a similar plot, genre and storyline, I felt that using their trailer for inspiration would help develop the quality of my own teaser trailer. For this reason, I decided against the use of a voice over as it would've meant that my target audience wouldn't have empathised immediately with my main character - which is what happens with all of the protagonists in the trailer for "Welcome To The Rileys".

The main reason why I made my inter-titles similar, was merely so my target audience would recognize my inspiration from "Welcome To The Rileys" which would allow them to think that the trailer promoting the full film could be similar. This could possibly attract a wider niche audience because of this. This is often done within teaser trailers and trailers so that an audience is able to grasp a similar overall genre.

Representation within trailers

The representation within a trailer is a very important factor, as it means that a lot can be said about the protagonist character(s) in terms of personalities. For example: 'Summer', the main girl from the film "500 Days Of Summer" wears a lot of flowy dresses. This suggests a romantic person, which is a theme seen within the trailer, however, in the film it is a more 'developed' storyline.

The bottom shot further suggests romance, as the two characters are holding hands. I feel inspired by this shot, as it told me that I should imply themes using the props and costumes on the particular characters. The over the shoulder shot above suggests innocence with the bow in her hair juxtaposed with her outfit suggesting an elegant woman. I liked how a simple element of the film can say so much about a character.

Within the main film the purple bow may not be noticed, but because the point of teaser trailers is so that we understand as much about the plot and characters as we can within such a short time space, this was a good idea to add this in as we understand about the character of 'Summer'.

Even though the theme of romance has not been suggested within this shot or trailer, I feel that my pan within my trailer suggests the theme of emptiness which then connotes finding your path in life, which is what my overall theme would be. The spacious setting acts as a metaphor for having room to change, also implying that there is more out there than just being alone with no-one to turn to. Because there is a tree within this shot to separate my protagonist from the horizon, meant that it implied that she will almost turn around and explore, but because we don't see her turn around it creates annoyance for the audience members who feel involved with my character, as they want the best for her. This pan has been explained in more detail on my annotated version of my teaser trailer (above).

The timing of trailer

The overall length of my trailer is 1.01. Teaser trailers are within time limits of 30-60seconds, so I feel that I've fitted that in well with the conventions of a real teaser trailer. I felt that challenging this aspect of teaser trailers would mean too much of the plot could possibly be given away; so only suggesting that my character was 'lost' meant that my target audience felt the urge to find about more about the 'messed-up' life which has been represented. 1 minute is a perfect time to have my teaser trailer, as my particular genre should be allowed to give away some inkling into the character's life.

The use of no speech

Finally, within the trailer for '500 Days Of Summer' there is no speech, but instead, music which helps to suggest the particular genre. As the target audience will be aware of the less mainstream artists, this element also helps to give away the genre of film more. Within such a short space of time I feel that music helps to say the things that cannot be expressed during the 30-60 seconds of a teaser, which I feel was done perfectly during my teaser.

The minor chords at the start of my trailer help to suggest that the story line is sad, which is then nicely juxtaposed at the end with the fast paced editing. The lyrics in the fourth line or so reads "this tempest of desire, just wont let me be" which suggested that something is possibly holding my main character back. An other word which has been used within the song is "fantasy" which then helps to imply that my character wishes that she could be something that she is not quite yet.

Within the teaser trailer for "500 days of summer", it starts with the voice over, and then the song Sweet Disposition by the temper trap. The opening line for this song is "sweet disposition" which immediately sums up the overall plot of the film. To some extent this song could possibly give away too much of the plot, as well as the shots used, however this backs up my point about songs saying what shots aren't able to say in such a short period of time.

question 2

The main element of my coursework was making sure that the three products that had been created all had an obvious link. The reason behind this was because, if this was to be a real package, then audiences would need something to be able to link them with in order for them to know what the products are for. With my main character during filming, I wanted to make sure that she looked 'normal' yet appealing in terms of the clothing she was wearing. As previously mentioned, this meant that my target audience could immediately establish a connection with my protagonist, as audiences will naturally compare themselves to the main characters; which can sometimes draw audiences in to watch the trailer and film. Here in my pictures you can see this:

From both close ups and long shots, you are able to see that my protagonist character looks 'normal' and fashionable. This meant that my audiences were able to recognise her in my film poster, but also on the magazine front cover - even though the images differed. The idea of using the same location within my photographs and also utilizing a 'fashion' theme within my photographs meant that my audiences could establish the clear connection which had been made within my three media texts. As the photographs always feature the same, one person, this also furthered this idea.

My main product helped to depict the specific genre of my film through the editing, music and mis-en-scene which was then continued within the film poster through photograph manipulation. The mis-en-scene helped to emphasize that the genre was an independent-drama, which again, has been continued through to the film poster. Because the film magazine "Sight & Sound" is made for less 'mainstream' films, this meant that my genre of film was also implied even though there is nothing else continued over in terms of clothing etc.

Finally, I feel that my texts have been combined by questioning whether you're lost. In my film poster, the caption reads "go lose yourself" in a way which could possibly make the film sound like it's about a girl who wants to lose herself in the spare of the moment. This has then been juxtaposed to the teaser trailer where the inter-titles say "go find yourself and become lost" which implies that the girl is searching for herself, but becomes so lost in what she wants to be.

Overall I feel that I have effectively combined my three media texts in a way that would imply that it is all for the same film. I feel that I've done this by using the same overall ideas of 'fashion' and also the one protagonist in all of the pictures for my pieces. I feel that I've successfully created an independent style trailer, poster and magazine front cover. I really like the overall outcome of my three products, as I feel that they represent a more British take on a film targeting everyday problems, as opposed to the more glory-fied way of life.

question 3

As my target audience is more of a niche audience who would potentially use viral marketing schemes as a way to hear about newly released films, I found that audience feedback was more easier to gain than a teaser which was for a horror film or romance film which could possibly be seen as more mainstream. This meant that I was able to use the social networking site of Facebook and the web 2.0 site YouTube as a way to gain feedback and recognition.

A lot of my target audience who fed back their own views individually expressed their enjoyment with the teaser trailer, also saying that they'd want to watch this if this was to be a film. This is a main convention in teaser trailers, so my feedback has proven that my intention of creating a teaser trailer has worked and been fulfilled.

When asking whether the trailer appealed to one friend, he replied with:

"If it was a film, I would watch it if I was into that kind of Genre. What makes it appeal is the story it portraits: A girl, lost in life, not quite knowing her place. The music is very fitting to the story and the imagery. The camera angles at the start were very well placed. I think perhaps the text on screen didn't remain for long enough towards the ending. At the start, the timing was good, but it seemed to become shorter and shorter (in terms of duration on screen) That coupled with the spinning camera made the ending seem quite hectic, where at the start it seemed calm. If the idea of it was to become hectic (as in to dramatise what was on screen) I think that Liane laughing in the last couple of scenes confused that; happiness doesn't really couple with hectic in the sense of being 'Lost'."

This feedback shows that my intention of implying that my main characters head is hectic was fulfilled, however maybe not emphasized enough.

After casually asking questions which hadn't been filmed, I found that most of the people I asked understood what the main theme of the teaser trailer was. The overall theme was becoming lost to become somebody, which I feel would overall sum up the film if there would've been the full package. This again shows how I have:

• Targeted my audience through representation and comparisons to everyday life
• fulfilled the most popular conventions of a teaser trailer and
• implied the overall theme through editing and music

Social network feedback

This site allowed me to create a group which meant anybody could request to join. Once my group had been created, I was able to upload pictures, post links and videos which meant that they could then comment with feedback. (if you click on here then you will be re-directed to my group where you can see feedback)

The main reason behind creating a facebook group was so more people were able to see my ancillary products. I felt that I hadn't received enough feedback on whether they were readable, also fitting in with usual conventions of film posters and magazine front covers so I felt that this was an appropriate way to gain feedback without having to use up my time as well as everyone elses. The main feedback that I received using this social networking site was on my film poster.

Hayley Dicks:

"I think it is quite hard to read the red writing at the bottom of the page because of the style, I like the colour though! xx"

This feedback was also given by:

Jessica Fensham:

"Amazing picture, lucky you have Liane to pose! :L. Yes, i agree that the writing is hard to read, perhaps the writing at the top could be a bit bigger, so its more spread out.."

This was good feedback, however the reason behind this was due to the quality of the photograph which was uploaded to Facebook. The other minor pieces of feedback were directed at the star ratings which was on the top of the poster and little bits, however, after this was mentioned, they didn't say what needed changing. This meant that, although my target audience was able to view my "promotional package" they weren't neccessarily able to be consistent with their post as this particular social networking site is so popular, that they were possibly 'side tracked'.

From the feedback given on Facebook, I did learn that my promotional package looked "professional" with only minor bits to change, if any at all.

Video feedback

I felt that quick questions which were being filmed meant that the interviewees giving feedback didn't have time to word their answers in a way which seemed more appealing to me. This method meant that I was able to gain feedback in a 'fire-round' effect, which allowed me to make the small changes to my products there and then. This method of feedback helped me, as I was able to refer to it once it was uploaded to Youtube.

In the video below, you will see that i've gained feedback from one boy and girl. I purposely interviewed two in one interview, however, the girl being my target audience with the boy having slightly different views. This meant that I could see whether my trailer appealed to someone who was not my target audience, as it re-assured me that I was heading in the right direction.

With all of my video feedback, I created multiple posts (film poster & film magazine mainly) which, in more detail, shows how I utilized these particular pieces of feedback. I found that they were very helpful, as they allowed me to make many changes which meant that my overall promotional package was the best that it could be for my target audience.

question 4

During my coursework building, I have used a wide variety of different technologies which have helped me in different ways. Please click on the pink links to be directed to the specific website.

Research
In order for my final pieces to be complete in a professional manner, I used the internet on a daily basis in order for me to use real film posters, trailers and magazine front covers to develop initial ideas. The internet played a key part here, as it meant that I could download images, but also read reviews on released trailers which fitted into my chosen genre. The internet also enabled me to research conventions of teaser trailers and film posters, which meant that my products concluded to looking realistic.

Instead of having to buy a copy of film magazines such as 'Empire', 'Sight & Sound' and 'Total Film', I was able to search for their website and then view images of their front covers in their archives.

Links to magazine websites I used

• Total Film
• Empire
• Sight & Sound

YOUTUBE

During my research stages, Youtube was there for me to watch existing teaser trailers and music videos in order to gain inspiration for shots, editing and also plot and genre ideas. Youtube was helpful during my research stages, as it has an endless list of videos which means that I could never watch enough trailers. The most helpful thing that Youtube has created is the embed option, which allowed me to be able to put the videos onto my blog.

FLICKR & WEHEARTIT

These two websites are photo sharing sites. In terms of research, I used these as a way to gain extra inspiration into mis-en-scene and shot compositions. The reason why I used weheartit was because it attracts the more niche audiences who like vintage objects and photography. These people also blog, instantly implying that these people fit my target audience. This then meant if my inspiration was gained from these sites then the final products would also attract this particular 'brand' of people, as they could see a resemblance.

SEAT42F

This website was one which I referred back to quite a bit during all stages of my coursework composing. This website was a massive archive for film posters and then other film related news. It was so easy to use, as it was one page with around 20 posters on each. The website was updated daily, so I had access to the most recently released film posters, which allowed me to gain an idea of what was appealing audiences of a modern society.

Planning

Again with the planning stages of my coursework, I used the same websites as my research ones as they allowed me to constantly refer to already made products. Trailers which could be constantly viewed meant that I was able to design composition shots relating to trailers promoting the same genre as mine.

SLIDESHARE

This website is where you can upload powerpoint documents which have been created on your computer for the purpose of the internet. This website was used three times during my planning stages, where I researched into directors and also created my first pitch for my teaser trailer. This website is similar to Youtube in the way that I can also access all of the powerpoint's that have previously been downloaded. Some powerpoint's were relevant to my own work, which allowed me to become more in-depth.

Construction

The majority of different technologies were used during the construction of my media pieces, as I used both hardware and software in order to make sure my work was the best it could be.

Software

FINAL CUT EXPRESS

Final Cut Express was the programme which I used to edit my clips together. It, at first proved to be a difficult programme with many effects you could use, but only once you understood the basics. First of all I imported all of my clips, then opened them into Final Cut Express. It proved to be simple once I had undergone a few tutorials on youtube and then just sized down my clips and then dragged them into my time line in the particular order I wanted. As Final Cut Express already sets out the time line for you, it was then just a case of importing my music and then adding that in underneath.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

This programme allowed me to manipulate my images using brushes, layers, text and healing brushes which helped me to create a 'perfect' look which is often seen within film posters and magazines. As I'd previously used Photoshop before undertaking this project, I didn't need any extra tutorials to use it. Adobe Photoshop was a quick way which I was able to edit my photographs to create an industry standard piece of work. I found the healing brush tool and layer tool the most helpful when creating my photographs.

ADOBE INDESIGN

This programme was used for my two ancillary texts (film poster and magazine cover). It's easy to use, with all of the industry elements to it which helped me to create 3 final products to be proud of. I particularly utilized the 'place' tool when dropping my manipulated images into the document, and then the pen matching tool which meant that I could insert a real copy of 'Sight & Sound' magazine to get the correct colours for my work.

Websites

DAFONT

This website was an other key element within the construction of my coursework, as I was able to view and download many fonts for free. This meant that I could experiment with different looks of fonts in my products. The fonts are all free on Dafont, so I wasn't restricted when trying to find the perfect font.

FONT SQUIRREL

Similar when compared to Dafont, as I was again, able to download more fonts for free. Here, I downloaded a font called 'ChunkFive' which was used in my 'Sight & Sound' magazine as the magazine logo. This was the closest font that I could get, but was able to download more than one from it.

YOUTUBE

Instead of using Youtube as a way to gain research, this time it benefited me due to the wide variety of tutorials for the software programmes which I hadn't gained much experience in prior to starting this project.

It also benefited me when I uploaded clips which were then able to be embedded onto my blog.

Hardware

SANYO CAMCORDER

This was the camera I chose to record my footage on. Using a digital camera meant that I was able to re-play my footage, and delete it/film it again if I decided it wasn't good enough. I like how compact camcorder's are now, as it meant that I could take it anywhere with me in a small bag. When I imported my footage onto the computer, it was also more easier than what it would have been 10/20 years or so, as my footage automatically got saved under different names once you pressed start and stop. This meant that my footage went onto the computer immediately separated.

APPLE MACINTOSH

In order to keep all my files in one place, I used the Apple Macs which had been assigned to me at the start of the previous year. This meant that all of my clips, photos and different ancillary designs were all stored in the same place under my name, which made it easier for me to access my work whilst nobody else could. Compared to a Windows or Linux computer, the Apple Macs had a smaller and easy to use taskbar at the bottom of the screen where all of the icons are. This made switching from one programme to another more easier to do so whilst researching as well as constructing.

FLIPSHARE CAMERA

During the construction of my coursework, I did a casting call where I decided upon who my main character was going to be. In order for me to upload some 'quick' shots of my choices, I used a flipshare camera. It is just a point and shoot camera, which meant that it was nothing technical, and then when I wanted to upload the footage, I had the USB port connection which just flipped out when I pulled down the cover along the side.

TRIPOD

The tripod used allowed my footage to be still at all times, instead of a hand held effect. This meant that my footage looked prim and proper, which is the specific look that I intended to create overall.

CANON EOS 450D

This is my personal camera that I carried around with me whilst filming at my set locations. As I knew how to use this once I'd started my coursework, no further research was undertook. This camera is 12 mega pixels, which meant that the quality was again industry standard due to the instant quality created on this camera, when compared to a 'point and shoot' camera.

Evaluation

During the evaluating stages of my coursework, I needed to make sure that I gained enough feedback to make sure that my products were effective enough for my target audience. In doing so I used hardware products to showcase feedback; with internet resources to gain it.

Internet

FACEBOOK SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE

Lost A2 media coursework (specific page)

Here I was able to create a group where members could join and comment on the pictures of my two ancillary products. The Facebook site was one of the crucial elements of gaining feedback, as it is where a lot of my target audience would hear about films such as this. Because Facebook is so popular - and so quick, it meant that all feedback was given within a day, which allowed me to make any changes which I agreed with.

YOUTUBE

Again Youtube has played a major role within the whole of my coursework, as it was quick and easy for me to upload interviews which I'd held.

Hardware

FLIPSHARE CAMERA

Similar to the reasons why the Flipshare camera was used during the construction stage, I used these as a quick way to gain target audience feedback. These camera's allowed me to act quickly with my feedback once they were uploaded to my blog.

Final 3 products

During the first stages of creating my three media texts, I made sure that I allowed myself enough time to gain valuable research. This would ensure that I had fully utilized codes and conventions that would be seen within a teaser trailer and it's ancillary products which had been produced by a real production company. As technology's ability to do more is quickly advancing, I was able to use the internet to view a wide variety of teaser trailers, film posters and magazine covers. During my research I viewed teaser trailers which used different techniques to engage with audience members, through voice overs, inter-titles and personal interaction, where the protagonist character asks questions to the audience in character, however not using a scene from the original film (which would be a convention usually seen within teaser trailers). These effects work differently to create different impacts depending on genre; and are mainly used to connect with different target audiences.

Annotated trailer

Annotations:

Youtube wouldn't allow me to upload the same video more than once, so my original annotations are below with the specific times for each one:

• 0:00("Toni Classic Movie pictures..."); Here I have given an introduction by using the production company. Within all teaser trailers and full length trailers, they will use this convention. More recognisable production companies would be 'River road', 'Fox Searchlight', 'DNA' and '21st Century Fox'. As my trailer is suggesting an independent drama, I decided to create my own production company, as it suggests a lower budget film.
• 0:00:03 (character eating on bed); The opening shot of my trailer suggests a home atmosphere. It is ambiguous in the way that you don't know what she is doing. This does not create a trailer which gives a conclusion at the start and then the story, which means that my plot has not been exploited. Her running to the toilet could either suggest that she needs the toilet or something else. Because it has not been stated through the use of inter-titles or voice over, it means that viewers are left in suspense, as they want to know more about my character.
• 0:00:6.5 (Close up of light); I have used natural lighting which creates an ambient effect, also fitting in with the genre of my film to suggest a film based on social lives. Representation has been created by making my protagonist centre shot whilst she is dressing herself. The shirt she is wearing would be considered to my target audience as 'fashionable' which helps to create a bond between the character and viewer, as they want to see whether she is the same to them in terms of personality, likes and looks.
• 0:00:15.7 (aerial shot of character reading book);his shot could imply that the book my character's reading is a life book because of the inter-titles. The titles tell a story, however so does the original shot without the title. This has been done to imply that my character is alone, as she is not filmed with an other cast member next to her.
• 0;00;19.1 (pan of main character underneath tree); This shot is one of my favourites as it helps to progress my teaser trailer, however not giving so much away. This has been done by:
• Panning; as it helps to suggest that she is completely alone. This gives insight into more of the storyline, as it suggests a turbulent part of her life.
• Setting; as it establishes that there is not many places for my protagonist character to become more sociable.
• 0;00;28.9 (overlay of shots); This technique that I used was with the pen tool, where I was able to change the opacity of shots to create a metaphor of my protagonists mind. I feel that the shot helps to imply what my character is like, however it doesn't give away the storyline. This is a similar effect in the teaser for "Welcome To The Rileys" as they filmed in a setting which was more run-down suggesting a film based upon something more realistic, as opposed to the more fairy-tale film where everything that you want to happen happens.
• 0;00;36.0 (re-visiting eating in the bedroom); This shot that has been used implies that there is more than one location that has been used within my trailer, but would also be seen within my overall film. This is a common feature usually seen within teaser trailers, as it helps to suggest more about the theme. I have purposely filmed in this bedroom as the wallpaper suggested more about my protagonists personality through the colour pink and the flowers; as the pink suggests she is girly, who is in touch with her emotions and the flowers suggest that she is caring.
• 0;00;41.8 (shot of main character laughing with book); I filmed this shot purposely, as I wanted the audience to empathize with my main character, as she seems emotionally involved with her book whilst she is laughing which helps to suggest that she has no friends.
• 0;00;48.1 (inter-titles); I feel that these inter-titles help to involve the viewer, even if they weren't to watch the main film. This is because they've seen my main character alone which could possibly 'hit a nerve' with the viewers emotions. This, I feel inspires the viewer to try and get themselves out there before their life cuts short as "you only live once". These inter-titles also emphasize the opposite of what my main character has or, more so, hasn't done in her life so far. I wanted the end inter-titles to appear as deep and meaningful which is what is usually seen within this particular genre of film. Whereas my trailer is made to make you see reality, horror film trailers would want to scare you and 'dare' you to watch the film.
  

Above is an annotated trailer which states my reasoning behind certain aspects of the teaser. I felt that annotations on the trailer would let me help you understand my teaser more in-depth.

Use of voice overs - inter-titles

In the trailer for '500 Days Of Summer' a voice over has been used as a narrative to emphasize the protagonist character's feelings. Voice overs are commonly used within teaser trailers to explain parts of the film's plot, however making it sound like a new story. What this does to the particular viewer is distract their connection with the main character(s), which could a) make the audience not want to watch the film or b) entice the viewer, allowing them to bond fully with them in the film. For this reason, I have researched into inter-titles as an other way to connect with my audience, as I wanted them to establish a connection immediately; which would then allow them to empathize with them more in the film. This has successfully be done in the trailer for "Welcome To The Rileys", using them consistently to ask questions which relates to the plot, but can also make sense on their own.

Because "Welcome To The Rileys" has a similar plot, genre and storyline, I felt that using their trailer for inspiration would help develop the quality of my own teaser trailer. For this reason, I decided against the use of a voice over as it would've meant that my target audience wouldn't have empathised immediately with my main character - which is what happens with all of the protagonists in the trailer for "Welcome To The Rileys".

The main reason why I made my inter-titles similar, was merely so my target audience would recognize my inspiration from "Welcome To The Rileys" which would allow them to think that the trailer promoting the full film could be similar. This could possibly attract a wider niche audience because of this. This is often done within teaser trailers and trailers so that an audience is able to grasp a similar overall genre.

Representation within trailers

The representation within a trailer is a very important factor, as it means that a lot can be said about the protagonist character(s) in terms of personalities. For example: 'Summer', the main girl from the film "500 Days Of Summer" wears a lot of flowy dresses. This suggests a romantic person, which is a theme seen within the trailer, however, in the film it is a more 'developed' storyline.

The bottom shot further suggests romance, as the two characters are holding hands. I feel inspired by this shot, as it told me that I should imply themes using the props and costumes on the particular characters. The over the shoulder shot above suggests innocence with the bow in her hair juxtaposed with her outfit suggesting an elegant woman. I liked how a simple element of the film can say so much about a character.

Within the main film the purple bow may not be noticed, but because the point of teaser trailers is so that we understand as much about the plot and characters as we can within such a short time space, this was a good idea to add this in as we understand about the character of 'Summer'.

Even though the theme of romance has not been suggested within this shot or trailer, I feel that my pan within my trailer suggests the theme of emptiness which then connotes finding your path in life, which is what my overall theme would be. The spacious setting acts as a metaphor for having room to change, also implying that there is more out there than just being alone with no-one to turn to. Because there is a tree within this shot to separate my protagonist from the horizon, meant that it implied that she will almost turn around and explore, but because we don't see her turn around it creates annoyance for the audience members who feel involved with my character, as they want the best for her. This pan has been explained in more detail on my annotated version of my teaser trailer (above).

The timing of trailer

The overall length of my trailer is 1.01. Teaser trailers are within time limits of 30-60seconds, so I feel that I've fitted that in well with the conventions of a real teaser trailer. I felt that challenging this aspect of teaser trailers would mean too much of the plot could possibly be given away; so only suggesting that my character was 'lost' meant that my target audience felt the urge to find about more about the 'messed-up' life which has been represented. 1 minute is a perfect time to have my teaser trailer, as my particular genre should be allowed to give away some inkling into the character's life.

The use of no speech

Finally, within the trailer for '500 Days Of Summer' there is no speech, but instead, music which helps to suggest the particular genre. As the target audience will be aware of the less mainstream artists, this element also helps to give away the genre of film more. Within such a short space of time I feel that music helps to say the things that cannot be expressed during the 30-60 seconds of a teaser, which I feel was done perfectly during my teaser.

The minor chords at the start of my trailer help to suggest that the story line is sad, which is then nicely juxtaposed at the end with the fast paced editing. The lyrics in the fourth line or so reads "this tempest of desire, just wont let me be" which suggested that something is possibly holding my main character back. An other word which has been used within the song is "fantasy" which then helps to imply that my character wishes that she could be something that she is not quite yet.

Within the teaser trailer for "500 days of summer", it starts with the voice over, and then the song Sweet Disposition by the temper trap. The opening line for this song is "sweet disposition" which immediately sums up the overall plot of the film. To some extent this song could possibly give away too much of the plot, as well as the shots used, however this backs up my point about songs saying what shots aren't able to say in such a short period of time.

Rough cut feedback

Liam and Chloe's feedback - video 1 (year 12)

Liam and Chloe's feedback - video 2

I've shown my rough cut trailer (above) to some year 12 media students for their feedback. I had one beneficial conversation with Chloe and Liam about my trailer overall, which means that I'm able to re-work my rough cut to make it more appealing to my target audience.

ADD FEEDBACK

I also have written feedback from an other year 12, Lauren, who said:

"I think that the genre portrayed is romance.

I thought the music fitted in well with the theme of the clip and really helped to create a mood. The titles that came up were needed so the audience could understand what was going on. I thought it was a good choice onarrative because a voice over may have ruined the calm mood of the clip.

If it was to be improved upon, then you could include more clips that are not sped up or layered, as it would give more variation. Overall, I thought that this was a good trailer and interests the audience straight away."

My response:

One of the themes which would be developed if this was a film would definitely be romance, because, as a director I would want my main character to meet a guy who 'helps' her through her bulimia and also becoming free from the burdens she feels that she has upon her shoulders. Even though this would be an established theme within the overall film, I wanted to emphasize freedom and the path that teenagers take to get themselves into adulthood. This has made me realize that there is room to make my teaser trailer appear more serious. With regards to the timings of the clips, I have already worked upon this, and I feel that no more adjustments will be needed.

Re-working trailer

Changing my inter-titles

The feedback that was given on my trailer from my media teacher is that the inter-titles are too 'wordy'. Because of this feedback, I've decided that I will use her advice and make them shorter. As my trailer is representing a teenage girl who is finding the transition from teenager to adult-hood hard, I want my inter-titles to seem like something my target audience can relate to, or think back to and remember what it felt like for them.

Above you can see a screen grab of my work in Final Cut Express, which shows in the top right corner one of my inter-titles. Relating back to my research on the film 'Welcome To The Riley's' their inter-titles are of a similar variety. To view this please click here, and go to 20 seconds in the scroll bar.

Film poster feedback

After listening to Tia's feedback on my film poster for 'Lost' I have looked at the following:

• Quote along the top: Tia noticed that I had repeated the word 'fully' twice. This is the case, so I have re-worked what it says. Originally it read;

"The whole thing fully captured what it's like to be an outcast teenager. The romance between the two fully creates a lovely contrast and truly emphasizes Davies' amazing acting skills - Elle magazine "

This has now been changed to the following:

" 'Lost' captured what it's really like to be an outcast teenager living in the real world. The romance between the two helps to create a lovely contrast in emotions - also emphasizing Davies' amazing acting skills - Elle magazine"

After listening to Sadie's feedback on my film poster for 'Lost' I have looked at the following:

• Nothing.

After listening to Tom's feedback on my film poster for 'Lost' I have looked at the following:

• Nothing.

Questions for feedback help:

1) Does the writing seem conventional for a film poster?

2) Do you think the placing of the text and image is okay/suitable for a conventional film poster?

3) What do you think of the film poster overall?

Magazine front cover feedback

After listening to the feedback that Tia gave, I have experimented with the following:

• Font size: The original font size for the white writing along the left hand side is a size 12. As she thinks that it is too small, I have changed it to a size 14. After seeing the font to be bigger, I like it, however I think that it makes the front cover of the magazine look more like a paragraph instead of eye-capturing headlines. Further research into conventions of magazine elements (and the font size) I have found that font size should be no more than 10pt. Research was found here.

After listening to the feedback that Sadie gave, I looked at the following:

• Front cover image: I like the idea that Sadie suggested, about making the image more darker to help create a contrast between the colour of the text, however it isn't possible with Photoshop.
• The amount of text: As I have religiously followed the original front cover of Sight & Sound, I don't feel that it would be appropriate towards the style. If this magazine was to be following the codes and conventions of a magazine such as 'Empire' or 'Total Film' then I would agree with her suggestion.

Questions

1) What do you think about the red writing on the word "greatest" and do you think it should be changed to a white colour?

2) What do you think about the font along the left hand side?

3) How could the front cover be improved?

4) What do you think of the overall magazine front cover?

After listening to the feedback that Tom gave, I looked at the following:

• Anchorage text: I looked at adding in an extra line to fill up space, however, I don't think it fits in with the style of Sight and Sound.

This also meant that the bottom half of the front cover looked more crammed, thus meaning that if I was to add more information at the bottom, I would have to balance it out with the story lines. For this reason I will not use this idea from my particular target audience member.

• Font size: Tom also mentioned that the font size could be slightly bigger, so I will change the font size to 13pt. Even though I have only gone up +1, it has still made a difference, which could potentially make it easier to read for my audience. The font change has also meant that I've had to move down the text slightly, however, this has not created too much of a problem.